Radiological imaging device for lower limbs

ABSTRACT

A radiological imaging device configured to analyze a limb includes a first module that includes a source configured to emit radiation, a second module that includes a detector configured to receive radiation from the source that has passed through the limb, a control station connected to the first and second modules for controlling movement of the first and second modules and acquiring images from the second module, and a platform having an outer support surface to support the first and second modules. The control station includes a casing and a connecting member that is connected to the casing to attach the platform. The platform is suitable to rotate around an axis approximately parallel to the outer surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/827,273, filed Mar. 23, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,357,460, which isa continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/550,417, filedAug. 11, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,595,801, which is a 371 Applicationof PCT/IB2016/050929, filed Feb. 22, 2016, which claims priority fromItalian Application No. MI2015A000264, filed Feb. 23, 2015. Thisapplication claims priority from Application Ser. No. 15/550,417,PCT/IB2016/050929 and MI2015A000264 each of which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a radiological imaging device for limbsof the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

In particular, the device is suitable to be used in the medical sphereto acquire images of the lower limbs of human beings and in theveterinary sphere to acquire images of the front and/or rear limbs.

BACKGROUND

The radiological imaging devices currently known of are fitted with agantry and a support structure for the patient.

The gantry has an annular casing defining, in the center, an area ofanalysis inside which the sensor and the source and the various movementand control members of the source and the detector are placed.

The support is a horizontal bed which the patient lies on and which issuitable to be placed in the area of analysis enabling the limbs to beplaced in said area and, thus, between the source and detector.

The prior art mentioned above has several significant drawbacks.

The first drawback is in the substantial impossibility of performingtomography or other imaging only of the limb concerned from any angle.

In fact, the patient's limbs are both located within the area ofanalysis and, therefore, the rotation of the source and detector imposesthe acquisition of images of both limbs.

To resolve this problem support parts have been designed on which torest only the limb to be analyzed while leaving the other limb outsidethe gantry or which allow the positioning of the limbs in differentpositions.

Patents CH 692378 documents, US 2011/231995, U.S. Pat. No. 6,378,149describe examples of such supports.

Such supports, while reducing such drawback, do not permit an optimaland complete acquisition of the limb.

These are utilizable almost exclusively in the human medical sphere,while they cannot be used in veterinary medicine and, most importantly,with horses or other animals of large or medium size.

In fact, the significant weight and size of these animals causeconsiderable positioning difficulties of the animal on the support andoften require both the use of sedatives to put the animal to sleep andthe use of cranes or other means to move the animal.

Another drawback is determined by the fact that these supports imposeunnatural positions of the limbs on the patient and are thusuncomfortable to maintain for the entire acquisition time.

This drawback is particularly evident in tomography where, due to itslong duration, movements of the limbs may occur such as to requirerepetition of the acquisition.

Another drawback of no less importance peculiar to all the devicesdescribed above is that on account of their large dimensions they areimpossible to transport and thus require that the animal be brought tothe appropriate facilities.

In this situation the technical purpose of the present invention is todevise a radiological imaging device able to substantially overcome thedrawbacks mentioned above.

SUMMARY

Within the sphere of said technical purpose one important purpose of theinvention is to have an imaging device that produces a high-qualityradiographic image in a simple and fast manner regardless of thephysical characteristics of the patient or the portion of limbconcerned. Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments aredirected to a radiological imaging device for analyzing a limb of apatient, where the features of different embodiments are modular. Theradiological imaging device includes a platform having an outer supportsurface and an inner volume. The device also includes a first modulehaving a source suitable to emit radiation and a second module having adetector suitable to receive the radiation. The first and second modulesare disposed on the outer support surface of the platform. Theradiological imaging device also includes a drive unit connected to thefirst and second modules. The drive unit may be housed within the innervolume of the platform, and the drive unit controls the movement of thefirst and second modules placed on the outer support surface. Also, theradiological imaging device includes at least one attachment toconstrain the first and second modules to the drive unit.

In one embodiment, the at least one attachment of the radiologicalimaging device defines an engagement position. In the engagementposition, the at least one attachment constrains the drive unit to thefirst and second modules to allow the drive unit to move the first andsecond modules. The at least one attachment also may define adisengagement position. In the disengagement position, the at least oneattachment does not constrain the drive unit to the first and secondmodules to prevent the drive unit from moving the first and secondmodules.

In certain embodiments of the radiological imaging device, the driveunit may include a first circular guide defining a first drag trajectoryand a second circular guide substantially concentric with the firstcircular guide. The second circular guide may define an axis of rotationand a second drag trajectory distinct from the first drag trajectory.The drive unit may include a first slider that moves along the firstcircular guide and a second slider that moves along the second circularguide.

In these embodiments, the at least one attachment may include a firstattachment constrained to the first slider and suitable to protrude fromthe platform and engage the first module. The first slider attached tothe first module can then move or drag the first module along the firstcircular guide. The at least one attachment also may include a secondattachment constrained to the second slider and suitable to protrudefrom the platform and engage the second module. The second sliderattached to the second module can then move or drag the second modulealong the second circular guide.

In another embodiment of the radiological imaging device, the radius ofthe first circular guide may be substantially between 6 dm and 8 dm.Also, the radius of the second circular guide may be substantiallybetween 1 dm and 2 dm.

In yet another embodiment of the radiological imaging device, the outersupport surface includes two analysis areas. The analysis centers of thetwo analysis areas may have a mutual distance between approximately 1.5dm and 4 dm.

In the embodiment of the radiological imaging device, wherein the outersupport surface includes a plurality of analysis areas, the platform mayinclude a conveyor housed in the inner volume. The conveyor moves thedrive unit with respect to the outer support surface defining aplurality of acquisition positions. In each of these acquisitionpositions, the rotation axis passes substantially through the analysiscenter of one of the plurality of analysis areas.

The outer support surface of the platform, in one embodiment, mayinclude an outer through opening defining a first acquisition path ofthe first module and through which the first attachment protrudes fromthe platform. The outer support surface may also include an innerthrough opening defining a second acquisition path of the second module,through which the second attachment protrudes from the platform. Theinner through opening may be substantially concentric with the outerthrough opening defining a center of analysis. The outer support surfacemay include at least one analysis area substantially delimited by one ofthe outer through opening and the inner through opening. The outerthrough opening and the inner through opening may have an angularextension substantially between 190° and 250°.

In yet another embodiment, the radiological imaging device may include acontrol station. The control station commands the operation of theradiological imaging device. Further, the control station includes acasing defining the outer surface of the control station. The controlstation may have at least one coupling to constrain the first and secondmodules and a connecting member of the platform to the casing.

In certain embodiments, the radiological imaging device may include aconnection apparatus at least partially housed in the inner volume ofthe platform. The connection apparatus allows a passage of at least dataor power between the control station and the first and second modules.and the connection apparatus includes a connector suitable to carry atleast data or power from the control station to the drive unit.

In yet another embodiment, the radiological imaging device includes atleast one pressure sensor positioned on the platform. The pressuresensor detects a change or shift in weight on the platform. Moreparticularly, the pressure sensor may detect a change of shift in weightin the analysis area of the device. Any change of shift in weightdetected by the pressure sensor can a transition from the engagedposition into the disengaged position of the at least one attachment.Once the pressure sensor detects a stable weight distribution on theplatform for a certain amount of time, the pressure sensor can trigger atransition from the disengaged position to the engaged position of theat least one attachment. In certain embodiments, the pressure sensorsare in communication with the control unit, which causes the at leastone attachment to transition from the disengaged position to the engagedposition, and vice versa.

Other features and advantages will become apparent from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of thevarious embodiments.

Another important purpose of the invention is to obtain an imagingdevice which allows the patient to adopt a comfortable position andwhich is thus easy to maintain for the entire period of the analysis.

The technical purpose and specified aims are achieved by a radiologicalimaging device as claimed in the appended claim 1.

Preferred embodiments are evident from the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The characteristics and advantages of the invention are clearly evidentfrom the following detailed description of a preferred embodimentthereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a radiological imaging device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows part of the device in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a view from above of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of an assembly of the radiological imagingdevice;

FIG. 6 shows a sub-assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a second sub-assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 shows a further sub-assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a part of the imaging device in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing of a part of the radiological imagingdevice; and

FIG. 11 shows an assembly of the radiological imaging device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Herein, the measures, values, shapes and geometric references (such asperpendicularity and parallelism), when used with words like “about” orother similar terms such as “approximately” or “substantially”, are tobe understood as except in the case of measurement errors orinaccuracies due to production and/or manufacturing errors and, aboveall, except for a slight divergence from the value, measure, shape orgeometric reference which it is associated with. For example, saidterms, if associated with a value, preferably indicate a divergence ofnot more than 10% of said value.

In addition, where used, terms such as “first”, “second”, “upper”,“lower”, “main” and “secondary” do not necessarily refer to an order, apriority relationship or relative position, but may simply be used tomore clearly distinguish different components from each other.

Except where specified otherwise, as evidenced by the discussions below,it should be noted that in the course of specific discussions usingterms such as “processing”, “computer”, “computing”, “evaluation”, orthe like, reference is made to the action and/or processes of a computeror calculation system, or similar electronic calculation device, whichhandle and/or process data represented as physical, electronic, sizes oflogs of computer systems and/or memories in other data similarlyrepresented as physical quantities inside the records of the computersystem, logs or other information storage, transmission or displaydevices.

With reference to said drawings (FIGS. 1-11), reference numeral 1globally denotes the radiological imaging device for limbs according tothe invention.

The device 1 is suitable for use in the veterinary and/or human field,to acquire radiological images of a limb 10 practically defining abarycentric longitudinal axis 10 a. In detail, it is suitable to performradiological imaging of the lower limbs of a human patient and of thefront/rear limbs of an animal patient. More specifically, the imagingdevice 1 is utilizable in the veterinary sphere for producingradiological images of the front/rear limbs.

The radiological imaging device 1 is suitable to perform at least one ofthe following: radiography, computerized tomography, and fluoroscopy.Preferably, it can perform both an X-ray, a computerized tomography, anda fluoroscopy.

The imaging device 1 comprises, in brief, a first module 2 comprising asource 21 suitable to emit radiation defining an emission axis 21 a; asecond module 3 suitable to be placed on the opposite side to the firstmodule 2 with respect to the limb 10 being analyzed and comprising adetector 31 suitable to receive the radiation after it has passedthrough the limb 10 being analyzed; a drive unit 4 of the modules 2 and3; a control station 5 of at least the acquisition and the movement ofthe modules 2 and 3; a connection apparatus 6 suitable to permit a dataand/or power exchange between the modules 2 and 3 and the station 5; anda platform 7 suitable to be supported on a floor surface 1 a anddefining an outer support surface 7 a for at least one limb 10 and themodules 2 and 3 and an inner housing 7 b for at least the unit 4.

The modules 2 and 3 are preferably supported by gravity on the surface 7a and are suitable to slide on the surface 7 a along at least oneacquisition path (the paths may follow any shaped path) preferablypassively. They are therefore devoid of independent moving means alongthe surface 7 a and, therefore, movable exclusively along said surfaceby means of the unit 4 and/or manually by the operator.

In particular, the first module 2 is suitable to be moved along a firstacquisition path 2 a preferably approximately circular; the secondmodule 3 is suitable to slide along a second acquisition path 3 apreferably substantially circular.

The paths 2 a and 3 a have distinct radii.

The second acquisition path 3 a has an approximately distinct radiusand, to be precise, approximately less than the first acquisition path 2a so that the second module 3 and, thus the detector 31 are at adistance measured along the emission axis 21 a from the limb 10 beinganalyzed, approximately less than that of the first module 2 and thus ofthe source 21.

In particular, the radius of the first path 2 a is approximately greaterthan 3 dm, in detail, approximately between 5 dm and dm 12 and, in moredetail, approximately between 6 dm and 9 dm. Preferably, the radius ofthe outer through opening 7 d is substantially equal to 7 dm.

The radius of the second acquisition path 3 a is approximately less than5 dm, in detail, approximately less than 3 dm and, in more detail,approximately between 2 dm and 1 dm. Preferably the radius of the secondacquisition path 3 a is substantially between 1.5 dm and 1.6 dm.

The first module 2 has a height, measured perpendicular to the surface 7a, a width, measured parallel to the surface 7 a and perpendicular tothe emission axis 21 a, and a thickness, measured along the emissionaxis 21 a, respectively approximately less than 12 dm, 10 dm and 10 dm.

In particular, the height is substantially less than 10 dm and inparticular substantially between 8 dm and 7 dm.

The width is approximately less than 7.5 dm and more in particularapproximately between 5.5 dm and 4.5 dm.

The width is approximately less than 7.5 dm and more in particularapproximately between 6 dm and 5 dm.

The first module 2 (FIG. 6) comprises a source 21 suitable to emitradiation (X-rays) defining an emission axis 21 a preferablysubstantially parallel to the outer surface 7 a; a first translator 22suitable to translate at least the source 21 along a first translationaxis 22 a preferably approximately perpendicular to the surface 7 a; afirst carriage 23 to which the source 21 and translator 22 areconstrained and suitable to rest on the outer surface 7 a; and a firstcasing 24 defining, together with the first carriage 23 a firstcontainment space for at least the source 21 and the first translator22.

The first translation axis 22 a is approximately perpendicular to theemission axis 21 a.

The first carriage 23 is fitted with idler wheels or other meanssuitable to permit the first module 2 to be idle in relation to theplatform 7, i.e. able to slide idly along the surface 7 a.

The first casing 24 is in radiolucent material, such as a polymer, inparticular, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) so as to be crossed bythe radiation emitted by the source 21. Preferably, it is at leastpartially in a radiolucent and damper material (foam) so as to be ableto absorb impacts or other external stresses. Additionally, the firstmodule 2 includes, housed in the first volume, at least one of thefollowing: a cooling system 25 of the source 21; a collimator; a firstlinear actuator suitable to move the source 21 along the emission axis21 a varying the distance of the source 21 from the second module 3, andthus from the limb 10 being analyzed.

Preferably, the first module 2 has at least the cooling system 25 andthe collimator. Lastly, it may provide for a cable holder chain suitableto enable electrical/data cables and/or pipes of the cooling system 25to follow the source 21 during its translation along the axis 22 a.

The cooling system 25 is integral with the source 21 so that the firsttranslator 22 simultaneously translates the source 21 and the system 25.

The collimator, also integral with the source 21, is suitable to varythe direction and/or extent of the radiation for example creating a “fanbeam” or “cone beam” tomography or a linear X-ray.

The second module 3 is suitable to place itself between two limbs 10(such as the lower limbs 10 of a human patient or the front or rearlimbs 10 of a horse or other animal) so that only the limb 10 beinganalyzed is between the modules 2 and 3.

It has a width, suitable to be calculated along the emission axis 21 aless than the distance between the limbs 10, i.e. in the case of a horseor the like, than the minimum distance value between thecarpals/metacarpals/fetlocks of the front and rear limbs. Said width issubstantially less than 3 dm, in particular 2 dm and, more specifically,1.5 dm.

The second module 3 has a height, measured perpendicular to the surface7 a, a width, measured parallel to the surface 7 a and perpendicular tothe emission axis 21 a, and a thickness, measured along the emissionaxis 21 a, respectively approximately less than 12 dm, 10 dm and 4 dm.

In particular; the height is substantially less than 10 dm and inparticular substantially between 8 dm and 7 dm.

The width is approximately less than 7.5 dm and more in particularapproximately between 5 dm and 4 dm.

The thickness is substantially less than 3 dm and more in particularapproximately between 1.5 dm and 2 dm.

The second module 3 (FIG. 7) includes a detector 31 suitable to receivethe radiation after it has crossed the limb 10 being analyzed; a secondtranslator 32 suitable to translate the detector 31 along a secondtranslation axis 32 a preferably substantially perpendicular to thesurface 7 a; a second carriage 33 to which the detector 31 and thesecond translator 32 are constrained and suitable to rest on the outersurface 7 a; and a second casing 34 defining, together with the secondcarriage 33 a second containment space for at least the detector 31 andthe second translator 32.

The detector 31 is suitable to perform at least one of the following:radiography, computerized tomography, and fluoroscopy. In detail, it canperform an X-ray, computerized tomography, and fluoroscopy.

The detector 31 comprises a matrix sensor and, in detail, a flat paneldisplay.

The second axis 32 a is approximately perpendicular to the emission axis21 a. Appropriately, the axes 22 a and 32 a are approximately parallelto each other and, to be precise, to the longitudinal axis 10 a of thelimb being analyzed.

The second carriage 33 provides for idler wheels or other means suitableto permit the second module 3 to be idle in relation to the platform 7,i.e. able to slide idly along the surface 7 a.

The second casing 34 is made of polymer material, preferably ofacrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or other radiolucent material soas to be crossed by the radiation emitted by the source 21. Preferably,it is at least partially made of foam or a radiolucent and dampermaterial so as to be able to absorb impacts or other external stresses.

Additionally, the second module includes 3, positioned in the secondcasing 34 and integral with the detector 31, at least one of thefollowing: a battery 35 suitable to power at least the detector 31 andthe second translator 32; and a second linear actuator suitable totranslate the sensor 31 along the emission axis 21 a by varying thedistance between the sensor 31 and the limb 10 being analyzed.

Lastly, it may provide for a cable holder chain suitable to enableelectrical/data cables to follow the detector 31 during its translationalong the axis 22 a.

The modules 2 and 3 are passive, i.e. devoid of drives and movable onlyby the operator and/or by the unit 4.

The drive unit 4 is approximately entirely placed in the inner housing 7b.

It comprises at least one circular guide defining at least a circulardrag trajectory of the rotation axis 4 a; at least one slider suitableto slide along said circular guide and to be constrained to the modules2 and 3; and at least one mover suitable to control the movement of theslider and thus of the modules 2 and 3.

The rotation axis 4 a is approximately perpendicular to the outersurface 7 a and thus to the emission axis 21 a, preferably,approximately parallel to the translation axes 22 a and 32 a, and morepreferably, approximately concentric to the longitudinal axis 10 a ofthe limb 10 being analyzed.

In particular, the drive unit 4 provides for a first slider 41 and asecond 42 slider suitable to slide along said circular guide and to berespectively constrained to the first module 2 and to the second module3; a first mover 43 and a second mover 44 suitable to control themovement respectively of the first slider 41 and of the second slider42.

More specifically, the drive unit 4 (FIGS. 4, 5 and 9) provides for twodifferent guides, i.e. a first circular guide 45 defining a firstcircular drag trajectory 45 a with axis 4 a and along which the firstslider 41 slides dragging the first module 2; a second circular guide 46defining a second circular drag trajectory 46 a with axis 4 a, distinctfrom the first drag trajectory 45 a and along which the second slider 42slides dragging the second module 3.

The second drag trajectory 46 a is substantially concentric with thefirst guide 45 so as to define a single rotation axis 4 a for thesliders 41 and 42.

The first trajectory 45 a and the second trajectory 46 a may have aradius approximately equal or, as illustrated in FIG. 11, substantiallysmaller respectively to the first path 2 a and to the second path 3 a.

The second drag trajectory 46 a has an inferior radius to the first dragtrajectory 45 a. In particular, the first 45 a and the second dragtrajectory 46 a have respectively a radius approximately larger andsmaller than the distance between the limbs 10.

The radius of the first drag trajectory 45 a is approximately greaterthan 3 dm, in detail, substantially between 5 dm and 12 dm and, in moredetail, approximately between 6 dm and 8 dm. Preferably, the radius ofthe first drag trajectory 45 a is substantially equal to 7 dm.

The radius of the second drag trajectory 46 a is approximately less than5 dm, in detail, approximately less than 3 dm and, in more detail,approximately between 2 dm and 1 dm. Preferably, the radius of thesecond drag trajectory 46 a is substantially between 1.5 dm and 1.6 dm.

It is to be noted how the drag trajectories 45 a and 46 a may both havethe same radius or, alternatively, a different radius in relation to theacquisition paths 2 a and 3 a.

The movers 43 and 44 are suitable to define a stroke of the sliders 41and 42 approximately at least equal to 180°, in particular, to 360°.

In addition they are suitable to move the sliders 41 and 42, and thusthe modules 2 and 3 independently permitting a relative rotation betweenthe modules 2 and 3, and/or in synchrony during, for example, acomputerized tomography or other acquisition.

The first mover 43 comprises a first rack made along the first guide 45and a first motorized gear wheel associated with the first slider 41 andengaged to said rack so as to control the movement of the first slider41 along the first guide 45.

The second mover 44 comprises a second rack made along the second guide46 and a second motorized gear wheel associated with the second slider42 and engaged to said rack so as to control the movement of the secondslider 42 along the second guide 46.

To enable the unit 4 located in the inner housing 7 b to move themodules 2 and 3 resting on the surface 7 a, the radiological imagingdevice 1 has at least one attachment suitable to constrain the modules 2and 3 resting on the outer surface 7 a to the unit 4 housed in the innerspace 7 b permitting said unit 4 to control the movement of the modules2 and 3.

In particular, the at least one attachment defines an engagementposition of the drive unit 4 to the modules 2 and 3 wherein theattachment constrains the unit 4 to the modules 2 and 3, enabling saiddrive unit 4 to drag the modules 2 and 3; and a disengaged position ofthe drive unit 4 from the modules 2 and 3 in which the attachment doesnot constrain the drive unit 4 to the modules 2 and 3, preventing theunit 4 from dragging the modules 2 and 3.

Preferably, the device 1 has a first attachment 8 suitable to constrainthe first module 2 to the drive unit 4 and a second attachment 9suitable to constrain the second module 3 to the drive unit 4.

More preferably the first attachment 8 is constrained to the firstslider 41 and suitable to protrude from the platform 7 engaging thefirst module 2 and enabling the first module 2 to slide along the firstdrag trajectory 45 a dragging the first module 2 along the first path 2a; while the second attachment 9 is constrained to the second slider 42and suitable to protrude from the platform 7 engaging the second module3 and enabling the second module 3 to slide along the second dragtrajectory 46 a dragging the second module 3 along the second path 3 a.Alternatively, the first attachment 8 is constrained to the first module2 and is suitable to engage the first slider 41; while the secondattachment 9 is constrained to the second module 3 and is suitable toengage the second slider 42.

The first attachment comprises at least a first pin 81 and at least afirst actuator suitable to move the pin 81 along a first directionapproximately perpendicular to the surface 7 a so that, in the engagedposition, the first pin 81 protrudes from the outer surface 7 a engagingin a seat of the first module 2 and, in the disengaged position, the pin81 is outside said seat and, in particular, approximately entirelyhoused in the first slider 41.

Preferably, the first attachment 8 provides for several first pins 81,three in particular, suitably positioned along the arc of acircumference approximately concentric to the axis of rotation 4 a and,preferably, of an approximately equal radius to the first acquisitionpath 2 a.

The second attachment 9 comprises at least a second pin 91 and a secondactuator suitable to move the second pin 91 in a second directionapproximately perpendicular to the outer surface 7 a so that, in theengaged position, the second pin 91 protrudes from the outer surface 7 aengaging in a seat of the second module 3 and, in the disengagedposition, the second pin 91 is outside said seat and, in particular, isapproximately entirely housed in the second slider 42.

Preferably, the second attachment 9 comprises several second pins 91,three in particular, suitably positioned along the arc of acircumference approximately concentric to the axis 4 a and, preferably,of a substantially equal radius to the second acquisition path 3 a.

Optionally, the attachments 8 and 9 are suitable to absorb at least partof the weight of the modules 2 and 3 acting on the carriage wheels 23and 33 and raising said modules from the surface 7 a. Preferably, theattachments 8 and 9 are suitable to absorb approximately all the weightof the modules 2 and 3 and, in particular, to distance said modules fromthe surface 7 a.

The outer surface 7 a is substantially flat and preferably parallel tothe floor surface 1 a.

Its distance from the floor surface 1 a is approximately between 0.5 and3 dm and, in particular, between 1 dm and 2 dm.

The outer surface 7 a has at least one area of analysis 7 c (FIGS. 2, 4,5, and 11) identifying a portion of outer surface 7 a along theperimeter of which the modules 2 and 3 are movable and inside which thelimb 10 being analyzed is positionable. The analysis area 7 c isdelimited by at least one through opening of the surface 7 a definingthe at least one acquisition path and suitable to permit the attachments8 and 9, positioned in the housing 7 b, to engage and guide the modules2 and 3 resting on the surface 7 a along the at least one acquisitionpath.

In particular, each analysis area 7 c is delimited by an outer throughopening 7 d defining the first acquisition path 2 a through which thefirst attachment 8 protrudes from the platform 7 engaging the firstmodule 2 enabling the first slider 41 to guide the first module 2 alongthe first path 2 a; and by an inner through opening 7 e defining thesecond path 3 a through which the second attachment 9 protrudes from theplatform 7 and by constraining the second module 3 enables the secondslider 42 to guide the second module 3 along the second acquisition path3 a.

The outer and inner through openings 7 d and 7 e have radii respectivelyapproximately equal to the radii, above, of the paths 2 a and 3 a.

They are also concentric to each other in the analysis center C (FIGS. 4and 11). The outer through opening 7 d defines the amplitude of rotationof the first module 2 which may differ from the amplitude of rotation ofthe first slider 41. Similarly, the inner through opening 7 e definesthe amplitude of rotation of the second module 3 which may differ fromthe amplitude of rotation of the second slider 42.

The outer through opening 7 d has an angular extension approximately atleast equal to 180° and, in detail, approximately between 180° and 360°and, in more detail, between 190° and 250°. Preferably, the outerthrough opening 7 d has an angular extension substantially at leastequal to 220°.

The inner through opening 7 e has an angular extension approximately atleast equal to 180° and, in detail, substantially between 180° and 360°and, in more detail, between 190° and 250°. Preferably, the innerthrough opening 7 e has an angular extension substantially at leastequal to 220°.

Additionally, an analysis area 7 c may provide a raised portion of thesurface 7 a identifying a support area for the limb 10 being analyzedcharacterized by a greater distance of the surface 1 a from the surface7 a and thus the modules 2 and 3.

The raised portion is approximately flat and parallel to the outersurface 7 a and, in particular, to the floor surface 1 a.

Its distance from the surface 7 a is substantially less than 2 dm, indetail, approximately between 0.1 dm and 1 dm and, more specifically,between 0.1 dm and 0.5 dm.

The distance between the raised portion and the floor surface 1 a isapproximately between 0.1 and 3.5 dm and preferably between 1 dm and 2.5dm.

The portion has its center substantially positioned at said analysisCenter C. To be precise, it is approximately circular, concentric to theouter and inner through openings 7 d and 7 e and, appropriately, has aradius substantially between 0.5 dm and 1 dm.

In some cases, the platform 7 is suitable to support several limbs 10and may therefore may have a plurality of analysis areas 7 c and thushave several through openings 7 d and 7 e defining several first paths 2a and several second paths 3 a. Optionally, the outer through opening 7d and/or the inner through opening 7 e of an analysis area 7 c may havedifferent radii respectively from the outer through opening 7 d and fromthe inner through opening 7 e so as to permit, for example, use of thedevice for animals of different sizes or for adults and children.

Preferably, it is suitable to support two limbs 10 and has two analysisareas 7 c and thus two outer through openings 7 d, two inner throughopenings 7 e and optionally, two raised portions. The analysis centers Cof said two analysis areas 7 c are mutually distanced so that the secondmodule 3 can slide on the surface 7 a passing between the raisedportions and thus the limbs 10. In detail, said distance isapproximately less than 7 dm, preferably approximately less than 5 dmand, more preferably, approximately between 4 dm and 1.5 dm.

It is to be noted lastly how, in veterinary medicine, the platform 7 mayprovide for analysis areas 7 c, one per limb 10.

The platform 7 comprises a plate 71 defining the outer surface 7 a andseparating said surface 7 a from the internal housing 7 b; a contouring72 delimiting the housing 7 b laterally; and, placed in the housing 7 b,a support frame of the plate 7 a.

It should be noted how the internal housing 7 b, when the platform 7 isresting on the floor 1 a, is delimited laterally by the contouring 72and has one base identifiable in the plate 71 and the other in the floor1 a.

It may also provide for adjustable feet 73 suitable to come into contactwith the floor surface 1 a and to vary their extension to adjust thedistance of the plate 61 from the floor 1 a, and thus the extension ofthe housing 7 b; and/or wheels, appropriately idle, to move the platform7 and the unit 4 along the floor surface 1 a and fitted with stops toblock the wheels preventing the movement of the platform 7.

The plate 71 may provide closing flaps counter-shaped to the outer andinner through openings 7 d and 7 e and joined to the plate 71 so thatwhen the attachments 8 and/or 9 protrude from the surface 7 a, theyflex, opening the outer or inner through opening 7 d or 7 e while, when,the attachments 8 and/or 9 do not protrude from the outer surface 7 a,they superpose the outer or inner through opening 7 d or 7 e, closingit.

The plate may be covered in rubber or other high-friction materialguaranteeing good adherence of the limb 10 to the outer surface 7 a.

In the case of a single analysis area 7 c constrained to the plate 71or, preferably, to the contouring 72, the device 1 has the drive unit 4placed with the axis of rotation 4 a substantially passing through theanalysis center C and thus through the center of the acquisition paths 2a and 3 a.

In the case of multiple analysis areas 7 c, the platform 7 comprises aconveyor 74 almost entirely placed inside the inner housing 7 b andsuitable to move the drive unit 4 in relation to the plate 71 definingmultiple acquisition positions in each of which the axis of rotation 4 apasses approximately through the center C of one of the analysis areas 7c thus superposing the attachments 8 and 9 over the outer and innerthrough openings 7 d and 7 e of same analysis area 7 c (FIG. 11).

In particular, in the case of a radiological imaging device 1 with twoareas of analysis 7 c, the conveyor 74 is suitable to move along asliding axis 74 a, preferably substantially parallel to the outersurface 7 a, the drive unit 4 defining two acquisition positions.

The conveyor 74 (FIGS. 8-9) comprises one or more linear guides 741,preferably two, defining the sliding axis 74 a; and at least one carrier742, suitably motorized, integral with the drive unit 4 and slidingalong the guide 741.

In the case of a device 1 with four areas of analysis 7 c, the conveyor74 is suitable to move the unit 4 along two different axes 74 apreferably approximately perpendicular to each other defining fouracquisition positions, one for each analysis area 7 c.

Lastly, the platform 7 may provide one or more sensors suitable tocontrol the transition into the disengagement position of theattachments 7 and 8 when they detect any movements of the limb 10 fromthe surface 7 a.

Said sensors may be optical sensors and thus film the analysis areas 7c. Alternatively, they may be pressure sensors (such as strain gage orpiezoelectric) appropriately integrated into the plate 71 near thecenter of analysis C and suitable to control the transition into thedisengagement position of the attachments 7 and 8 when they detectchanges in weight on the analysis area 7 c.

The control station 5 is suitable to allow the operator to control atleast the operation of the device 1.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, it is identifiable in a body separate fromthe platform 7 and from the modules 2 and 3 and comprising interfacemeans 51 (such as a keyboard, and/or a screen) by means of which theoperator controls the acquisition and/or views the radiological images;a circuit board controlling the operation of the device 1; a memory forradiological images and/or patient data (age, acquisition parameters,etc.); a casing 52 defining the outer surface of the control station 5;movement means 53 (such as idle and/or motorized wheels) of at least thestation 5; and power means of the device 1 such as a battery and/orconnection cable to an external grid.

The control station 5 may further comprise at least one of thefollowing: at least one coupling 54 suitable to constrain, preferablydetachably, the modules 2 and 3 to the casing 52; a connecting member 55of the platform 7 to the casing 52 and, appropriately, suitable torotate around an axis approximately parallel to the outer surface 7 a,the member 55 raising the platform 7 from the floor surface 1 a.Preferably, the control station 5 comprises two couplings 54constraining the two modules 2 and 3 to two different sides of thecasing 52 and, placed in correspondence with a third side of the casing22, the connecting member 55.

The connecting member 55 comprises forks, appropriately retractable,suitable to fit under the platform 7 which is thus appropriatelyforkable.

The connection apparatus 6 is suitable to allow a passage of data (i.e.electrical signals) and/or power between the control station 5 and themodules 2 and 3.

It is almost entirely placed under the surface 7 a and, in particular,in the inner housing 7 b and constrained to the platform 7.

The apparatus 6 comprises a static connector 61 suitable to carry powerand/or data from the station 5 to the rotation axis 4 a; at least onerotating connector suitable to carry power and/or data from the rotationaxis 4 a to at least one of the sliders 41 and 42 and integral with saidat least one slider 41 and/or 42 so as to rotate together with it aroundthe axis 4 a; and at least one rotatory joint interposed between thestatic connector 61 and rotating connector and suitable to allow apassage of data and/or power between the connectors during their mutualrotation. In detail, the apparatus 6, shown in the enlargement of FIG.7, comprises a static connector 61, a first rotating connector 62integral with the first slider 41 and suitable to carry power and/ordata from the rotation axis 4 a to the first slider 41; a secondrotating connector 63 integral with the second slider 42 and suitable tocarry power and/or data from the axis 4 a to the second slider 42; arotary joint 64 connecting the static connector 61 to both the firstrotating connector 62 and the second rotating connector 63.

The static connector 61 is at least partially inserted in the housing 7b and appropriately placed between the carrier 742 and floor 1 a.

The connectors 62 and 63 and the rotatory joint 64 are almost entirelyhoused inside the inner housing 7 b and, in particular, positionedbetween the carrier 742 and the plate 71.

The connectors 61, 62 and 63 are identifiable in hollow profiles, eachof which provided with its own data transmission and/or power cables.

In this case, the rotatory joint 64 and 65 may provide one or moresliding contacts (or slip rings) suitable to connect the cables in thestatic connector 61 to those of the rotary connectors 62 and 63.

Each of these sliding contacts typically consists of a rotatingconductive ring integral with one of the rotary connectors 62 or 63 andsuitable to rotate around the rotation axis 4 a; a static conductivering integral with the static connector 61 and concentric to theprevious ring, and contact means (for example, brushes) integral withthe static ring which by rubbing on the rotating ring permit the passageof the signal and/or data during the rotation of the rotating ring withrespect to the static ring and, thus, between the connector 61 and oneof the connectors 62.

Preferably, the connection apparatus 6 provides for a first data and/orpower cable 66 passing through the connectors 61 and 62 and a seconddata and/or power cable 67 passing through the connectors 61 and 63; andthe rotary joint 64 is suitable to allow each cable 66 and 67 to rotatetogether with the relative rotating connector 63 and 64.

The rotary joint 64 (FIG. 7) comprises a first cylinder 641 integralwith the static connector and defining a first chamber in which thefirst cable 66 in output from the static connector 61 enters; a firstcap 642 of the first chamber integral with the first rotating connector62 so as to enable the first cable 66 in output from the first chamberto pass into the first rotating connector 62; a second cylinder 643housed and integral with the first cylinder 641 and defining a secondchamber, inside the first chamber, in which the second cable 67 inoutput from the static connector 61 enters; a second cap 644 of thesecond chamber integral with the second rotating connector 63 and sothat the second cable 67 in output from the second chamber passes intothe second connector 63.

The first cap 642 is joined to the first cylinder 641 so as to rotate,commanded by the first connector 62, with respect to the first cylinder641 and around the axis 4 a allowing the first cable 67 to follow therotation of the first connector 63.

The second cap 644 is joined to the first cap 642 so as to rotate,commanded by the second connector 63, with respect to said first cap 642around the axis 4 a allowing the second cable 67 to follow the rotationof the second rotating connector 63.

Moreover, the cables 66 and 67 are not constrained to the staticconnector 61 so that they are able to rotate on themselves avoidingtwisting and, consequently, breaking.

For the passage of data between the first slider 41 and the first module2, at least one of the first pins 81 may be of the electric type and,thus realize both a mechanical connection and a data and/or powerexchange between the slider 41 and module 2.

Similarly, for the passage of data between the second slider 42 and thesecond module 3, at least one of the second pins 91 may be of theelectric type and, thus realize both a mechanical connection and a dataand/or power exchange between the slider 42 and module 3.

Lastly, in the case of the second module 3 provided with a battery 35,the connection apparatus 6 may be devoid of the second connector 63, thesecond cylinder 643 and the second cap 644 and make a wirelessconnection, for example, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, between the second module 3and station 5.

In this case the connection apparatus 6 provides for an antenna integralwith the second module 3 and an additional antenna associated with thestation 5.

The functioning of a radiological imaging device for limbs, describedabove in a structural sense, is as follows.

Initially, the operator, through the interface means 51, commands theconnecting member 55 to rotate the platform 7 resting it on the floorsurface 1 a, and then positions the limb 10 to be analyzed on theplatform 7.

It is to be noted how the patient, human or animal, is placed on theplatform 7 in an upright position and can thus position himself/itselfon the surface 7 a walking. For example, in the case of a horse, theoperator makes the animal advance, bringing its front limbs 10 into theanalysis area 7 c.

In detail, to optimize the analysis, the operator places each limb 10 onthe raised portions of the analysis areas 7 c making sure that thebarycentric longitudinal axis 10 a is substantially centered with thecenter of analysis C.

At this point, the operator removes the modules from the station 5,resting them on the surface 7 a at the outer and inner through openings7 d and 7 e and, by means of the control station 5, orders the conveyor74 to translate the drive unit 4 centering the rotation axis 4 a withthe center of analysis C and, therefore, with the longitudinal axis 10 aof the limb 10 being analyzed.

The operator, again by means of the command station 5, orders thetransition of the attachments 8 and 9 into the engaged position andthus, the constraint of the sliders 41 and 42 to the modules 2 and 3.

At this point, the operator selects the type of radiological imaging tobe performed (for example, a computerized tomography), the extension,along the axis 10 a, of the portion of limb 10 to be analyzed and theemission/acquisition parameters. After setting the acquisition, eitherautomatically or in response to a command given by the operator via themeans 51, the radiological imaging begins.

The sliders 41 and 42 slide on the guides 45 and 46 bringing the modules2 and 3 into the acquisition start position placing the second module 3between the limbs 10.

At the same time the translators 22 and 32 move the source 21 anddetector 31 along the axes 22 a and 32 a bringing them to the correctheight of the limb 10. After completing the positioning of the source 21and of the detector 31, the source 21 emits the radiation which, passingonly through the limb 10 being examined, hits the detector 31, while thesliders 41 and 43 rotate the modules 2 and 3 around the axes 4 a and 10a and, thus, the limb 10 permitting completion of the acquisition andthe video presentation of the image acquired.

Subsequently, the operator, if, for example, wishing to perform a linearX-ray, sets the emission/acquisition parameters and, thus, the device 1,automatically or in response to a command given by the operator, andstarts the radiological imaging. In this case, the sliders 41 and 42bring the modules 2 and 3 into the desired position, the source 21 emitsthe radiation which, passing only through the limb 10 being examined,hits the detector 31.

At the same time, the translators 22 and 32 move, substantiallysimultaneously, the source 21 and the detector 31 along the translationaxes 22 a and 32 a performing the acquisition along the entire length ofinterest.

Lastly, it is to be noted that if, during these operations the animalmoves one of the limbs on the surface 7 a, the motion sensors detect themovement and, through the station 5, order the interruption of at leastthe emission and the transition of the attachments 8 and 9 into thedisengagement position.

In order to have a complete description of the features and the functionof the radiological imaging device 1 and, in addition, the advantagesachieved by radiological imaging device is below described in terms ofexemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. These embodimentsare not in contrast with the previous description and they arenon-limiting exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, any features belowdescribed can be implemented in the radiological imaging device 1 abovedescribed and vice versa.

With reference to FIGS. 1-11, reference numeral 1 denotes a radiologicalimaging device. The radiological imaging device 1 is suitable for use inthe veterinary and/or human field, to acquire radiological images of alimb 10 practically defining a barycentric longitudinal axis 10 a. Indetail, it is suitable to perform radiological imaging of the lowerlimbs of a human patient and of the front/rear limbs of an animalpatient. More specifically, the imaging device 1 is utilizable in theveterinary sphere for producing radiological images of the front/rearlimbs of a patient, such as, but not limited to a horse.

The radiological imaging device 1 is suitable to perform at least one ofthe following: radiography, computerized tomography, and fluoroscopy.Preferably, the device can perform an X-ray, a computerized tomography,and a fluoroscopy.

In one embodiment, the radiological imaging device 1 includes, a firstmodule 2 having a source 21 suitable to emit radiation defining anemission axis 21 a. The device may also include a second module 3suitable to be placed on the opposite side to the first module 2 withrespect to the limb 10 being analyzed and having a detector 31 suitableto receive the radiation after it has passed through the limb 10 beinganalyzed. As shown in FIG. 3, the device includes a drive unit 4 capableof moving modules 2 and 3. The device also may include a control station5 connected to the first and second modules 2 and 3 for controlling atleast the acquisition and the movement of the modules 2 and 3. Aconnection apparatus 6 (see FIG. 5) is included in one embodiment topermit data and/or power exchange between the modules 2 and 3 and thecontrol station 5. In this embodiment, the device includes a platform 7that is suitable to be supported on a floor surface 1 a and defining anouter support surface 7 a for at least one limb 10 of the patient andthe modules 2 and 3. The platform 7 also includes an inner housing 7 bfor housing at least a portion of the drive unit 4, as shown in theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 5.

In one embodiment, the first and second modules 2 and 3 are preferablysupported by gravity on the outer support surface 7 a and are suitableto slide on the surface 7 a along at least one acquisition pathpassively. In this embodiment, the modules 2 and 3 are devoid ofindependent movement along the surface 7 a and, therefore, the driveunit 4 moves the modules along surface 7 a. The modules 2 and 3 may alsobe moved manually by an operator into position on the support surface 7a.

In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, the first module 2 maymove or slide along a first acquisition path 2 a that may beapproximately circular. The second module 3 may move or slide along asecond acquisition path 3 a. The paths 2 a and 3 a may be substantiallycircular, however, in other embodiments, the paths may follow any shapedpath. It has also been contemplated that the first and second modules 2and 3 may be independently moved to any position on the outer supportsurface 7 a, either mechanically or manually. As shown in FIG. 4, thepaths 2 a and 3 a have distinct radii.

The second acquisition path 3 a has an approximately distinct radiuswherein it is less than the radius of the first acquisition path 2 a inone embodiment. This is so the second module 3 and, thus the detector31, are at a distance measured along the emission axis 21 a (FIG. 7)from the limb 10 being analyzed, which is less than a distance measuredalong the emission axis 21 a from the first module 2 and, thus of thesource 21, to the limb 10 being analyzed.

By way of example only and not by way of limitation, the radius of thefirst path 2 a is greater than approximately 3 dm (decimeters), and maybe between approximately 5 dm and 12 dm. In another embodiment, theradius of the first path 2 a may be between approximately 6 dm and 9 dm.Preferably, the radius of the first path 2 a through outer throughopening 7 d (FIG. 6) may be equal to approximately 7 dm. Also, by way ofexample only, the radius of the second acquisition path 3 a may be lessthan approximately 5 dm, and may be less than approximately 3 dm. Inanother embodiment, the radius of the second path 3 a may be betweenapproximately 2 dm and 1 dm. Preferably the radius of the secondacquisition path 3 a may be between approximately 1.5 dm and 1.6 dm.

In one embodiment, the first module 2 has a height less thanapproximately 12 dm. The height is measured perpendicular to the outersupport surface 7 a. The first module has a width less thanapproximately 10 dm, and the width is measured parallel to the outersupport surface 7 a and perpendicular to the emission axis 21 a. Also,the first module 2 has a thickness of less than approximately 10 dm, andthe thickness is measured along the emission axis 21 a.

In other embodiments, the height of the first module 2 may be less than10 dm and may be between approximately 8 dm and 7 dm. The width of thefirst module 2 may be less than approximately 7.5 dm and may be betweenapproximately 5.5 dm and 4.5 dm. Also, the thickness of the first module2 may be less than approximately 7.5 dm and may be between approximately6 dm and 5 dm.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the first module 2 includes asource 21 suitable to emit radiation (e.g., ionizing radiation includingX-rays or other types of radiation) defining an emission axis 21 apreferably substantially parallel to the outer surface 7 a. The firstmodule 2 also includes a first translator 22 suitable to translate atleast the source 21 along a first translation axis 22 a approximatelyperpendicular to the outer support surface 7 a. This embodiment alsoincludes a first carriage 23 to which the source 21 and translator 22are constrained and suitable to rest on the outer support surface 7 a.There also may be a first casing 24 defining, together with the firstcarriage 23, a first containment space for at least the source 21 andthe first translator 22. The first translation axis 22 a isapproximately perpendicular to the emission axis 21 a as best shown inthe example of FIG. 6.

In one embodiment, the first carriage 23 may be fitted with idler wheelsor other structures suitable to permit the first module 2 to be idle inrelation to the platform 7, i.e. able to slide or move along the surface7 a. The first casing 24 may be formed of a radiolucent material, suchas a polymer, in particular, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) to becrossed by the radiation emitted by the source 21. In one embodiment,the casing 24 may be at least partially formed of a radiolucent anddamper material (foam) to be able to absorb impacts or other externalstresses. Additionally, the first module 2 may include, housed in thefirst volume, at least one of the following: a cooling system 25 of thesource 21; a collimator; a first linear actuator suitable to move thesource 21 along the emission axis 21 a varying the distance of thesource 21 from the second module 3, and thus from the limb 10 beinganalyzed.

In one embodiment, the first module 2 includes at least the coolingsystem 25 and the collimator. Lastly, the first module 2 may include acable holder chain suitable to enable electrical/data cables and/orpipes of the cooling system 25 to follow the source 21 during itstranslation along the axis 22 a. The cooling system 25 may be integralwith the source 21 so that the first translator 22 simultaneouslytranslates the source 21 and the system 25. The collimator also may beintegral with the source 21 in order to vary the direction and/or extentof the radiation, for example creating a “fan beam” or “cone beam”tomography or a linear X-ray.

The second module 3 is suitable to place itself between two limbs 10 ofa patient (such as the lower limbs 10 of a human patient or the front orrear limbs 10 of a horse or other 10 animal) so that only the limb 10being analyzed is between the modules 2 and 3. The second module 3 has awidth or thickness less than approximately 4 dm, and the width orthickness is calculated along the emission axis 21 a and is less thanthe distance between the two limbs 10 of the patient, i.e. in the caseof a horse or the like, the distance is less than the minimum distancevalue between the carpals/metacarpals/fetlocks of the front and rearlimbs. In another example, the width or thickness is less thanapproximately 3 dm. In one embodiment, the width or thickness of thesecond module 3 is between 1.5 dm and 2 dm. More specifically, the widthor thickness may be approximately 2 dm and, in another embodiment, thewidth or thickness is approximately 1.5 dm.

The second module 3 has a height measured perpendicular to the supportsurface 7 a. In one embodiment, the height of the second module 3 isless than approximately 12 dm. In another embodiment, the height is lessthan approximately 10 dm, and the height may be between 7 dm and 8 dm inanother embodiment. In one embodiment, a width of the second module 3measured parallel to the surface 7 a and perpendicular to the emissionaxis 21 a is less than approximately 10 dm. The width may be less thanapproximately 7.5 dm in one embodiment, and in another embodiment, thewidth of the second module 3 may be between approximately 4 dm and 5 dm.

As shown in the example of FIG. 7, the second module 3 includes adetector 31 suitable to receive the radiation after it has crossed thelimb 10 being analyzed. Also, the second module 3 includes a secondtranslator 32 suitable to translate the detector 31 along a secondtranslation axis 32 a, which is substantially perpendicular to thesurface 7 a. The second axis 32 a also is approximately perpendicular tothe emission axis 21 a. Appropriately, the axes 22 a and 32 a areapproximately parallel to each other and, to be precise, to thelongitudinal axis 10 a of the limb being analyzed. There may also be asecond carriage 33 to which the detector 31 and the second translator 32are constrained and suitable to rest on the outer surface 7 a. A secondcasing 34 defining, together with the second carriage 33 a secondcontainment space for at least the detector 31 and the second translator32. In one embodiment, the second carriage 33 may include idler wheelsor other means suitable to permit the second module 3 to be idle inrelation to the platform 7, i.e. able to slide or move along the surface7 a.

By way of example only, the detector 31 is suitable to perform at leastone of the following: radiography, computerized tomography, andfluoroscopy. The detector 31 may be able to perform an X-ray,computerized tomography, and fluoroscopy. In certain embodiments, thedetector 31 includes a matrix sensor and may include a flat paneldisplay.

In one embodiment, the second casing 34 is made of polymer material,such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or other radiolucentmaterial so as to be crossed by the radiation emitted by the source 21.In one embodiment, the second casing 34 is at least partially made offoam or a radiolucent and damper material so as to be able to absorbimpacts or other external stresses.

In certain embodiments, the second module 3 includes, positioned in thesecond casing 34 and integral with the detector 31, at least one of thefollowing: a battery 35 suitable to power at least the detector 31 andthe second translator 32; and a second linear actuator suitable totranslate the sensor 31 along the emission axis 21 a by varying thedistance between the sensor 31 and the limb 10 being analyzed.Furthermore, the second module 3 may include a cable holder chainsuitable to enable electrical/data cables to follow the detector 31during its translation 5 along the axis 22 a.

In one embodiment, the modules 2 and 3 are passive, i.e. devoid ofdrives and movable only by the operator and/or by the drive unit 4. Asshown in the figures, the drive unit 4 of one embodiment is placedwithin the inner housing 7 b. The drive unit 4 may include at least onecircular guide defining at least a circular drag trajectory of therotation axis 4 a. The rotation axis 4 a is approximately perpendicularto the outer surface 7 a and thus to the emission axis 21 a. Therotation axis 4 a may be approximately parallel to the translation axes22 a and 32 a, and preferably, may be approximately concentric to thelongitudinal axis 10 a of the limb 10 being analyzed.

Also, the drive unit 4 may include at least one slider suitable to slidealong the circular guide and to be constrained to the modules 2 and 3.There may be at least one mover suitable to control the movement of theslider and thus of the modules 2 and 3. In one embodiment, the driveunit 4 includes a first slider 41 and a second slider 42 suitable toslide along the circular guide and to be respectively constrained to thefirst module 2 and to the second module 3. There also may be a firstmover 43 and a second mover 44 suitable to control the movementrespectively of the first slider 41 and of the second slider 42. Asshown in the examples of FIGS. 4, 5, and 9, the drive unit 4 includestwo different guides. The drive unit 4 may include a first circularguide 45 defining a first circular drag trajectory 45 a with axis 4 aand along which the first slider 41 slides dragging the first module 2.In addition, the drive unit 4 may include a second circular guide 46defining a second circular drag trajectory 46 a with axis 4 a, distinctfrom the first drag trajectory 45 a and along which the second slider 42slides dragging the second module 3.

The second drag trajectory 46 a is substantially concentric with thefirst guide 45 so as to define a single rotation axis 4 a for thesliders 41 and 42. The first trajectory 45 a and the second trajectory46 a may have a radius approximately equal or, as illustrated in FIG.11, substantially smaller respectively to the first path 2 a and to thesecond path 3 a. In one embodiment, the second drag trajectory 46 a hasan inferior radius to the first drag trajectory 45 a. In particular, thefirst 45 a and the second drag trajectory 46 a have respectively aradius approximately larger and smaller than the distance between thelimbs 10 of the patient.

By way of example only, the radius of the first drag trajectory 45 a isgreater than approximately 3 dm, and may be between approximately 5 dmand 12 dm. In another embodiment, the radius of the first dragtrajectory 45 a is between approximately 6 dm and 8 dm. Preferably, theradius of the first drag trajectory 45 a is substantially equal to 7 dm.Also, by way of example only, the radius of the second drag trajectory46 a is approximately less than 5 dm, and may be less than approximately3 dm. In another embodiment, the radius of the second drag trajectory 46a is between approximately 1 dm and 2 dm. Preferably, the radius of thesecond drag trajectory 46 a is between approximately 1.5 dm and 1.6 dm.It has been contemplated that the drag trajectories 45 a and 46 a mayboth have the same radius or, alternatively, a different radius inrelation to the acquisition paths 2 a and 3 a.

In one embodiment, the movers 43 and 44 are suitable to define a strokeof the sliders 41 and 42 approximately at least equal to 180°, and inone embodiment approximately equal to 360°. In addition, the movers 43and 44 are suitable to move the sliders 41 and 42, and thus the modules2 and 3 independently permitting a relative rotation between the modules2 and 3, and/or in synchrony during, for example, a computerizedtomography or other acquisition.

The first mover 43 may include a first rack made along the first guide45 and a first motorized gear wheel associated with the first slider 41and engaged to the rack so as to control the movement of the firstslider 41 along the first guide 45. The second mover 44 may include asecond rack made along the second guide 46 and a second motorized gearwheel associated with the second slider 42 and engaged to the rack tocontrol the movement of the second slider 42 along the second guide 46.

To enable the drive unit 4 located in the inner housing 7 b to move themodules 2 and 3 resting on the surface 7 a in one embodiment, theradiological imaging device 1 may have at least one attachment suitableto constrain the modules 2 and 3 resting on the outer surface 7 a to thedrive unit 4. The drive unit 4 may be housed in the inner space 7 bpermitting the drive unit to control the movement of the modules 2 and3. In one embodiment, the at least one attachment defines an engagementposition of the drive unit 4 to the modules 2 and 3 wherein theattachment constrains the drive unit 4 to the modules 2 and 3. Thisconstruction enables the drive unit 4 to drag or slide the modules 2 and3. The at least one attachment may define a disengaged position, whereinthe drive unit 4 is disengaged from the modules 2 and 3. In thedisengaged position, the attachment does not constrain the drive unit 4to the modules 2 and 3, preventing the unit 4 from dragging or slidingthe modules 2 and 3. In one embodiment, the device 1 has a firstattachment 8 suitable to constrain the first module 2 to the drive unit4 and a second attachment 9 suitable to constrain the second module 3 tothe drive unit 4.

In this embodiment, the first attachment 8 may be constrained to thefirst slider 41 and suitable to protrude from the platform 7 engagingthe first module 2 and enabling the first module 2 to slide along thefirst drag trajectory 45 a dragging the first module 2 along the firstpath 2 a. Also, in this embodiment, the second attachment 9 may beconstrained to the second slider 42 and suitable to protrude from theplatform 7 engaging the second module 3 and enabling the second module 3to slide along the second drag trajectory 46 a dragging the secondmodule 3 along the second path 3 a. In an alternate embodiment, thefirst attachment 8 may be constrained to the first module 2 and besuitable to engage the first slider 41. In this alternate embodiment,the second attachment 9 may be constrained to the second module 3 and besuitable to engage the second slider 42.

By way of example only, the first attachment may include at least afirst pin 81 and at least a first actuator suitable to move the pin 81along a first direction approximately perpendicular to the surface 7 aso that, in the engaged position, the first pin 81 protrudes from theouter surface 7 a engaging in a seat of the first module 2. In thedisengaged position, the pin 81 may be outside the seat and, inparticular, approximately entirely housed in the first slider 41. In oneembodiment, the first attachment 8 provides for several first pins 81,three in particular, suitably positioned along the arc of acircumference approximately concentric to the axis of rotation 4 a and,preferably, of an approximately equal radius to the first acquisitionpath 2 a.

Also by way of example only, the second attachment 9 may include atleast a second pin 91 and a second actuator suitable to move the secondpin 91 in a second direction approximately perpendicular to the outersurface 7 a so that, in the engaged position, the second pin 91protrudes from the outer surface 7 a engaging in a seat of the secondmodule 3. In the disengaged position, the second pin 91 is outside theseat and, in particular, is approximately entirely housed in the secondslider 42. In one embodiment, the second attachment 9 may includeseveral second pins 91, three in particular, suitably positioned alongthe arc of a circumference approximately concentric to the axis 4 a and,preferably, of a substantially equal radius to the second acquisitionpath 3 a.

In other embodiments, the attachments 8 and 9 are suitable to absorb atleast part of the weight of the modules 2 and 3 acting on the carriagewheels 23 and 33 and raising the modules from the surface 7 a. In oneembodiment, the attachments 8 and 9 are suitable to absorb approximatelyall the weight of the modules 2 and 3 and, in particular, to distancethe modules 2 and 3 from the outer support surface 7 a.

The outer support surface 7 a may be substantially flat and preferablyparallel to the floor surface 1 a. In one embodiment, the outer supportsurface 7 a has a distance from the floor surface 1 a between about 0.3dm and 0.5 dm and, in particular, between about 1 dm and 2 dm.

The outer support surface 7 a may have at least one area of analysis 7c, as shown in the examples of FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 11, identifying aportion of outer surface 7 a along the perimeter of which the modules 2and 3 are movable and inside which the limb 10 being analyzed ispositionable. The analysis area 7 c is delimited by at least one throughopening of the outer support surface 7 a defining the at least oneacquisition path and suitable to permit the attachments 8 and 9,positioned in the housing 7 b, to engage and guide the modules 2 and 3resting on the surface 7 a along the at least one acquisition path.

In certain embodiments, each analysis area 7 c is delimited by an outerthrough opening 7 d defining the first acquisition path 2 a throughwhich the first attachment 8 protrudes from the platform 7 engaging thefirst module 2 and enabling the first slider 41 to guide the firstmodule 2 along the first path 2 a. Also, each analysis area 7 c isdelimited by an inner through opening 7 e defining the second path 3 athrough which the second attachment 9 protrudes from the platform 7 andby constraining the second module 3 enables the second slider 42 toguide the second module 3 along the second acquisition path 3 a. Theouter and inner through openings 7 d and 7 e have radii respectivelyapproximately equal to the radii above of the paths 2 a and 3 a. In thisembodiment the outer and inner through openings 7 d and 7 e also areconcentric to each other in the analysis center C as shown in FIGS. 4and 11.

In one embodiment, the outer through opening 7 d may define theamplitude of rotation of the first module 2, which may differ from theamplitude of rotation of the first slider 41. Similarly, the innerthrough opening 7 e may define the amplitude of rotation of the secondmodule 3, which may differ from the amplitude of rotation of the secondslider 42. In certain embodiments, the outer through opening 7 d has anangular extension at least equal to approximately 180° and, in detail,between approximately 180° and 360° and, in more detail, betweenapproximately 190° and 250°. Preferably, the outer through opening 7 dhas an angular extension substantially at least equal to 220°. Incertain embodiments, the inner through opening 7 e has an angularextension at least equal to approximately 180° and, in detail,substantially between approximately 180° and 360° and, in more detail,between approximately 190° and 250°. Preferably, the inner throughopening 7 e has an angular extension substantially at least equal to220°.

Additionally, an analysis area 7 c may provide a raised portion of thesurface 7 a identifying a support area for the limb 10 being analyzedcharacterized by a greater distance of the surface 1 a from the surface7 a and thus the modules 2 and 3. The raised portion may beapproximately flat and parallel to the outer support surface 7 a and, inparticular, to the floor surface 1 a. Its distance from the surface 7 ais substantially less than 2 dm, in detail, the distance may be betweenapproximately 0.1 dm and 1 dm and, more specifically, betweenapproximately 0.1 dm and 0.5 dm. The distance between the raised portionand the floor surface 1 a may be between approximately 0.1 and 3.5 dmand preferably between approximately 1 dm and 2.5 dm.

The portion has its barycenter substantially positioned at the analysiscenter C. In one embodiment, the analysis center is approximatelycircular, concentric to the outer and inner through openings 7 d and 7 eand, appropriately, has a radius between approximately 0.5 dm and 1 dm.

In some cases, the platform 7 is suitable to support several limbs 10and may therefore have a plurality of analysis areas 7 c with severalthrough openings 7 d and 7 e defining several first paths 2 a andseveral second paths 3 a. In another embodiment, the outer throughopening 7 d and/or the inner through opening 7 e of an analysis area 7 cmay have different radii respectively from the outer through opening 7 dand from the inner through opening 7 e so as to permit, for example, useof the device for animals of different sizes or for adults and children.

In one embodiment, it is suitable to support two limbs 10 and have twoanalysis areas 7 c and thus two outer through openings 7 d, two innerthrough openings 7 e and optionally, two raised portions. The analysiscenters C of the two analysis areas 7 c are mutually distanced so thatthe second module 3 may slide on the outer support surface 7 a passingbetween the raised portions and thus the limbs 10. In one embodiment,the distance is less than approximately 7 dm, and in another embodiment,the distance is less than approximately 5 dm and, may be betweenapproximately 1.5 dm and 4 dm.

It has also been contemplated that in veterinary medicine, the platform7 may provide for multiple analysis areas 7 c, one per limb 10.

The platform 7 may include a plate 71 defining the outer surface 7 a andseparating the surface 7 a from the internal housing 7 b as shown in theembodiment of FIG. 6. There also may be a contouring 72 delimiting thehousing 7 b laterally; and, placed in the housing 7 b, a support frameof the plate 7 a. It should be noted that the internal housing 7 b, whenthe platform 7 is resting on the floor 1 a, is delimited laterally bythe contouring 72 and has one base identifiable in the plate 71 and theother in the floor 1 a.

In one embodiment, the platform 7 also may provide for adjustable feet73 suitable to come into contact with the floor surface 1 a and to varytheir extension to adjust the distance of the plate 71 from the floor 1a, and thus the extension of the housing 7 b. The platform 7 may includewheels alone or in combination with the adjustable feet 73. The wheelsmay move the platform 7 and the drive unit 4 along the floor surface 1 aand be fitted with stops to block the wheels and prevent the movement ofthe platform 7.

In one embodiment, the plate 71 may include closing flaps counter-shapedto the outer and inner through openings 7 d and 7 e and joined to theplate 7. When the attachments 8 and/or 9 protrude from the surface 7 a,the flaps flex, opening the outer or inner through opening 7 d or 7 e.Then, when, the attachments 8 and/or 9 do not protrude from the outersurface 7 a, the flaps superpose the outer or inner through opening 7 dor 7 e closing it. It has also been contemplated that the plate 71 maybe covered in rubber or other high-friction material guaranteeing goodadherence of the limb 10 to the outer surface 7 a. The plate 71 may beany material, including metal or plastic, and may further have imprintsor marked patterns to provide additional traction for the limb 10.

In the embodiment having a single analysis area 7 c constrained to theplate 71 or, preferably, to the contouring 72, the device 1 has thedrive unit 4 placed with the axis of rotation 4 a substantially passingthrough the analysis center C and thus through the center of theacquisition paths 2 a and 3 a.

In the embodiment of multiple analysis areas 7 c, the platform 7 mayinclude a conveyor 74 almost entirely placed inside the inner housing 7b. The conveyor 74 may be suitable to move the drive unit 4 in relationto the plate 71 defining multiple acquisition positions. In each of themultiple acquisition positions, the axis of rotation 4 a passesapproximately through the center C of one of the analysis areas 7 c and,thus superposing the attachments 8 and 9 over the outer and innerthrough openings 7 d and 7 e of same analysis area 7 c (FIG. 11).

In particular, in the embodiment of a radiological imaging device 1having two areas of analysis 7 c, the conveyor 74 may be suitable tomove along a sliding axis 74 a, preferably substantially parallel to theouter surface 7 a. The drive unit 4 may define two acquisitionpositions. As shown in the examples of FIGS. 8 and 9, the conveyor 74may include one or more linear guides 741. In one embodiment theconveyor 74 includes two linear guides 741 defining the sliding axis 74a. The conveyor may include at least one carrier 742, suitablymotorized, integral with the drive unit 4 and sliding along the guide741.

In the embodiment of an imaging device 1 having four areas of analysis 7c, the conveyor 74 may be suitable to move the drive unit 4 along twodifferent axes 74 a, preferably approximately perpendicular to eachother defining four acquisition positions, one for each analysis area 7c.

In yet another embodiment, the platform 7 may provide one or moresensors suitable to control the transition into the disengagementposition of the attachments 7 and 8 when they detect any movements ofthe limb 10 from the surface 7 a. The sensors may be optical sensors andthus film the analysis areas 7 c. Alternatively, the sensors may bepressure sensors (such as strain gage or piezoelectric or the like)appropriately integrated into the plate 71 near the center of analysis Cand suitable to control the transition into the disengagement positionof the attachments 7 and 8 when they detect changes in weight on theanalysis area 7 c.

The control station 5 is suitable to allow an operator to control atleast the operation of the imaging device 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10,it is identifiable in a body separate from the platform 7 and from themodules 2 and 3. The control station 5 may include an input device orinterface means 51 (such as a keyboard, mouse, track pad, touch screen,or display screen) that the operator uses to control the acquisitionand/or views the radiological images. Further, a circuit board and/orprocessor controlling the operation of the imaging device 1 may also beincluded. The control station may include a memory for storingradiological images and/or patient data (age, acquisition parameters,etc.). A casing 52 defining the outer surface of the control station 5may also be included. Furthermore, the control station 5 may include amovement apparatus 53 (such as idle and/or motorized wheels) totransport and move at least the station 5. The control station 5 mayalso include a power device or mechanism such as a battery and/orconnection cable to an external grid.

In another embodiment, the control station 5 may include at least onecoupling 54 suitable to constrain, preferably detachably, the modules 2and 3 to the casing 52. The control station also may include aconnecting member 55 of the platform 7 to the casing 52 and,appropriately, suitable to rotate around an axis approximately parallelto the outer surface 7 a, the member 55 raising the platform 7 from thefloor surface 1 a.

In one embodiment, the control station 5 includes two couplings 54constraining the two modules 2 and 3 to two different sides of thecasing 52 and, placed in correspondence with a third side of the casing22, the connecting member 55. The connecting member 55 includes forks,appropriately retractable, suitable to fit under the platform 7 which isthus appropriately forkable.

In one embodiment, the connection apparatus 6 is suitable to allow apassage of data (i.e. electrical signals) and/or power between thecontrol station 5 and the modules 2 and 3. The connection apparatus maybe at least partially placed under the surface 7 a and, in particular,in the inner housing 7 b and constrained to the platform 7. Theconnection apparatus 6 includes a static connector 61 suitable to carrypower and/or data from the control station 5 to the rotation axis 4 a.There may be at least one rotating connector suitable to carry powerand/or data from the rotation axis 4 a to at least one of the sliders 41and 42 and integral with the at least one slider 41 and/or 42 so as torotate together with it around the axis 4 a. Further, the connectionapparatus 6 includes at least one rotatory joint interposed between thestatic connector 61 and rotating connector and suitable to allow apassage of data and/or power between the connectors during their mutualrotation. In certain embodiments, the connection apparatus 6, shown inthe enlargement of FIG. 7, includes a static connector 61, a firstrotating connector 62 integral with the first slider 41 and suitable tocarry power and/or data from the rotation axis 4 a to the first slider41. The connection apparatus 6 also includes a second rotating connector63 integral with the second slider 42 and suitable to carry power and/ordata from the axis 4 a to the second slider 42. In addition, theconnection apparatus 6 includes a rotary joint 64 connecting the staticconnector 61 to both the first rotating connector 62 and the secondrotating connector 63. The static connector 61 is at least partiallyinserted in the housing 7 b and appropriately placed between the carrier742 and floor 1 a. The connectors 62 and 63 and the rotatory joint 64are almost entirely housed inside the inner housing 7 b and, may bepositioned between the carrier 742 and the plate 71.

The connectors 61, 62 and 63 are identifiable in hollow profiles, eachof which may be provided with its own data transmission and/or powercables. In this case, the rotatory joint 64 and 65 may provide one ormore sliding contacts (or slip rings) suitable to connect the cables inthe static connector 61 to those of the rotary connectors 62 and 63.Each of these sliding contacts typically consists of a rotatingconductive ring integral with one of the rotary connectors 62 or 63 andsuitable to rotate around the rotation axis 4 a. Further, the slidingcontacts may include a static conductive ring integral with the staticconnector 61 and concentric to the previous ring. Contact apparatuses(e.g., brushes) may be integral with the static ring which by rubbing onthe rotating ring permits the passage of the signal and/or data duringthe rotation of the rotating ring with respect to the static ring and,thus, between the connector 61 and one of the connectors 62.

In one embodiment, the connection apparatus 6 may provide for a firstdata and/or power cable 66 passing through the connectors 61 and 62 anda second 5 data and/or power cable 67 passing through the connectors 61and 63. The rotary joint 64 of the connection apparatus 6 may besuitable to allow each cable 66 and 67 to rotate together with therelative rotating connector 63 and 64. As shown in the example of FIG.7, the rotary joint 64 includes a first cylinder 641 integral with thestatic connector and defining a first chamber in which the first cable66 from the static connector 61 enters. The rotary joint 64 alsoincludes a first cap 642 of the first chamber integral with the firstrotating connector 62 to enable the first cable 66 from the firstchamber to pass into the first rotating connector 62. A second cylinder643 may be housed and integral with the first cylinder 641 and defininga second chamber, inside the first chamber, in which the second cable 67from the static connector 61 enters. The rotary joint may include asecond cap 644 of the second chamber integral with the second rotatingconnector 63 so that the second cable 67 from the second chamber passesinto the second connector 63.

In one embodiment, the first cap 642 may be joined to the first cylinder641 so as to rotate, commanded by the first connector 62, with respectto the first cylinder 641 and around the axis 4 a. This allows the firstcable 67 to follow the rotation of the first connector 63. The secondcap 644 may be joined to the first cap 642 to rotate, commanded by thesecond connector 63, with respect to the first cap 642 around the axis 4a. This allows the second cable 67 to follow the rotation of the secondrotating connector 63. Moreover, the cables 66 and 67 are notconstrained to the static connector 61 so that they are able to rotateon themselves avoiding twisting and, consequently, breaking.

For the passage of data between the first slider 41 and the first module2, at least one of the first pins 81 may be of the electric type and,thus realize both a mechanical connection and a data and/or powerexchange between the slider 41 and module 2. Similarly, for the passageof data between the second slider 42 and the second module 3, at leastone of the second pins 91 may be of the electric type and, thus realizeboth a mechanical connection and a data and/or power exchange betweenthe slider 42 and module 3.

In yet another embodiment, if the second module 3 includes a battery 35,the connection apparatus 6 may be devoid of the second connector 63, thesecond cylinder 643 and the second cap 644 and make a wirelessconnection, for example, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, between the second module 3and the control station 5. In this embodiment, the connection apparatus6 provides for an antenna integral with the second module 3 and anadditional antenna associated with the control station 5.

The functioning of a radiological imaging device for limbs, describedabove in a structural sense, is as follows. Initially, the operator,through the interface 51, commands the connecting member 55 to rotatethe platform 7 resting it on the floor surface 1 a, and then positionsthe limb 10 to be analyzed on the platform 7. It is to be noted that thepatient, human or animal, may be placed on the platform 7 in an uprightposition and can thus position himself/itself on the surface 7 awalking. For example, in the case of a horse, the operator makes theanimal advance, bringing its front limbs 10 into the analysis area 7 c.

In one embodiment, to optimize the analysis, the operator places eachlimb 10 on the raised portions of the analysis areas 7 c making surethat the barycentric longitudinal axis 10 a is substantially centeredwith the center of analysis C. At this point, the operator may removethe modules from the control station 5, resting them on the surface 7 aat the outer and inner through openings 7 d and 7 e. Then, using thecontrol station 5, the operator orders the conveyor 74 to translate thedrive unit 4 centering the rotation axis 4 a with the center of analysisC and, therefore, with the longitudinal axis 10 a of the limb 10 beinganalyzed.

The operator, again by interfacing with the command station 5, ordersthe transition of the attachments 8 and 9 into the engaged position andthus, the constraint of the sliders 41 and 42 to the modules 2 and 3. Atthis point, the operator selects the type of radiological imaging to beperformed (for example, a computerized tomography), the extension, alongthe axis 10 a, of the portion of limb 10 to be analyzed and theemission/acquisition parameters. After setting the acquisition, eitherautomatically or in response to a command given by the operator via theinterface 51, the radiological imaging begins.

The sliders 41 and 42 slide on the guides 45 and 46 bringing the modules2 and 3 into the acquisition start position by placing the second module3 between the limbs 10. At the same time the translators 22 and 32 movethe source 21 and detector 31 along the axes 22 a and 32 a bringing themto the correct height of the limb 10. After completing the positioningof the source 21 and of the detector 31, the source 21 emits theradiation which, passing only through the limb 10 being examined, hitsthe detector 31, while the sliders 41 and 43 rotate the modules 2 and 3around the axes 4 a and 10 a and, thus, the limb 10 permittingcompletion of the acquisition and the video presentation of the imageacquired.

Subsequently, if the operator wishes to perform a linear X-ray, theoperator may set the emission/acquisition parameters, and the imagingdevice 1 may automatically or in response to a command given by theoperator start the radiological imaging. In this embodiment, the sliders41 and 42 bring the modules 2 and 3 into the desired position, thesource 21 emits the radiation which, passing only through the limb 10being examined, hits the detector 31. At the same time, the translators22 and 32 move, substantially simultaneously, the source 21 and thedetector 31 along the translation axes 22 a and 32 a performing theacquisition along the entire length of interest.

It has been contemplated that if, during these operations the animalmoves one of the limbs on the surface 7 a, the motion sensors detect themovement and, through the control station 5, order the interruption ofat least the emission and the transition of the attachments 8 and 9 intothe disengagement position.

The current disclosure, see the both description of the radiologicalimaging device 1, achieves important advantages.

A first advantage is the ease of positioning a human or animal patientguaranteed by defining a support surface 7 a. In fact, with theexception of the modules 2 and 3, the support surface 7 a is free, andthus almost entirely accessible for positioning the patient. Thisadvantage is defined by the innovative creation of an outer surface 7 aon which to rest the modules 2 and 3 and an inner housing 7 b whichrepresents a separate environment from that of the positioning of themodules 2 and 3 and inside which to place the unit 4 and, later, theapparatus 6.

This advantage is further increased by the fact that the modules 2 and3, being passive, i.e. devoid of a motor or other drive system along theouter surface 7 a have particularly reduced dimensions.

Another advantage is given by the constraint of the platform 7 and ofthe modules 2 and 3 to the control station 5, which makes it possibleboth to reduce the overall dimensions of the radiological imaging device1 and to move the entire radiological imaging device 1 acting from asingle control station 5. As a result, the radiological imaging device 1is simple and convenient to transport, even to a stable or other placedifficult to access with the devices of the prior art.

Another advantage is the presence of the motion sensors that bydetecting the movement of a limb 10 resting on the platform 7 disengagethe sliders 41 and 42 from the modules 2 and 3 releasing them from theplatform 7. Consequently, a possible collision of the limb 10 againstone of the modules 2 and 3 neither wounds the animal or causes damage tothe modules 2 and 3. This advantage is further guaranteed by thecreation of the casings 24 and 34 in damping material and, thus able toabsorb an impact avoiding damage to the instrumentation inside themodule.

Variations may be made to the invention without departing from the scopeof the inventive concept described in the independent claims and by therelative technical equivalents. All the details may be replaced withequivalent elements and the materials, shapes and dimensions may be asdesired.

For example, in one embodiment, the first slider 41 may be identified inat least one ring sector. The first circular guide 45 may provide one ormore idle pins hinged to the carrier 742 and defining a housing slot forthe slider 41 spaced from the carrier 742 so as to keep the first slider41 raised from the carrier 742. Also, the first mover 43 may include arack made on the first slider 41 and a motorized toothed wheel connectedto the carrier 742 and engaged with the rack.

Similarly, in one embodiment, the second slider 42 may be identified inat least one ring sector. The second guide 45 may provide one or moreidle pins hinged to the carrier 742 and defining a housing slot for thesecond slider 42 spaced from the carrier 742 so as to keep the slider 42raised from the carrier 742. The second mover 43 may include a rack madeon the second slider 42 and a motorized toothed wheel connected to thecarrier 742 and engaged with said rack.

In both cases, the ring sectors may have an angular extension equal toapproximately 360°. The angular distance between adjacent pulleys may besubstantially less than 180° and, in detail, substantially equal to120°.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that not allradiological imaging systems have all these components and may haveother components in addition to, or in lieu of, those componentsmentioned here. Furthermore, while these components are viewed anddescribed separately, various components may be integrated into a singleunit in some embodiments.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way ofillustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimedinvention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize variousmodifications and changes that may be made to the claimed inventionwithout following the example embodiments and applications illustratedand described herein, and without departing from the true spirit andscope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the followingclaims.

1-14. (canceled)
 15. A radiological imaging device configured to analyzea limb comprising: a first module including a source configured to emitradiation; a second module including a detector configured to receiveradiation from the source that has passed through the limb; a controlstation connected to the first and second modules for controllingmovement of the first and second modules and acquiring images from thesecond module; and a platform having an outer support surface to supportthe first and second modules, wherein the control station comprises acasing and a connecting member that is connected to the casing to attachthe platform, the platform suitable to rotate around an axisapproximately parallel to the outer surface.
 16. The device of claim 15,wherein the connecting member comprises retractable forks suitable tofit under the platform.
 17. The device of claim 15, wherein the platformfurther comprises an inner volume and an analysis area and the devicefurther comprises a drive unit housed within the inner volume of theplatform and attached to the first and second modules.
 18. The device ofclaim 17, further comprising a plurality of attachments configured toconstrain the first and second modules to the drive unit.
 19. The deviceof claim 18, wherein the plurality of attachments defines an engagementposition wherein the plurality of attachments constrains the drive unitto the first and second modules allowing the drive unit to drag thefirst and second modules and a disengagement position wherein theplurality of attachments does not constrain the drive unit to the firstand second modules preventing the drive unit from dragging the first andsecond modules.
 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the platformincludes a pressure sensor configured to order the transition into thedisengagement position of the plurality of attachments when the pressuresensor detects changes in weight in the analysis area.
 21. The device ofclaim 15, wherein the control station further comprises movement means.22. The device of claim 21, wherein the movement means comprise wheels.23. The device of claim 22, wherein the wheels are motorized.
 24. Thedevice of claim 22, wherein the wheels are idle.